I Agree

Wu Huaisi had finally made it to that position, and Zhao Ruxi really couldn't persuade him to leave; moreover, after the coup in winter ended, he, as the Minister of Ministry of Personnel, would still play a very important role, and if someone else were to take that position, Xiao Lingyan would definitely have a lot of headaches.

Gong Cheng was a technical official in the Ministry of Works and did not take sides, so he was far from the political vortex and should not be affected; even if he was affected, it was unlikely to endanger his life.

Right now, Zhao Ruxi most wants to get Wu Zong sent to an outside post. This is not only for Xiao Ruotong's sake, but also because the two people Wu Zong offended before will definitely not let it go.

If they take advantage of the political turmoil to target Wu Zong, no matter how powerful Wu Zong is, he won't be able to withstand these open and covert attacks, and he might fall into their trap. That would be a fatal situation.

Therefore, Zhao Ruxi felt that it was best for Wu Zong to be sent out to avoid the situation.

Furthermore, although Zhao Ruxi was not involved in officialdom, she was well-versed in the ways to quickly rise through the ranks.

Newly appointed Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) are generally officials of the eighth or Ninth Rank rank. They are sent to serve in the provinces Subordinate Seventh Rank three years, and after their term expires, they are transferred to the capital and promoted to the seventh rank. After staying in the capital for two or three years, they are sent to the provinces again and can be directly appointed to the Principal Seventh Rank or the Subordinate Sixth Rank. After three years, they can return to the capital and become fifth rank officials.

A fifth-rank official in the capital can attend court and enter the central power structure. If they are transferred to a post outside the capital, they can directly become a fourth-rank prefect.

With experience and connections as an official in the capital, as well as experience serving as an official in other regions, it would be natural for him to rise to the third rank.

Staying in one place makes it incredibly difficult to get promoted. But by constantly moving up and down the ladder, promotions can be achieved very quickly.

Wu Huaisi's rise to the position of Minister of Ministry of Personnel, a first-rank official, in his forties was related to his competence and political achievements, but it was also greatly influenced by his repeated political maneuvering.

Wu Zong is currently Principal Fourth Rank. Because he has no experience in being stationed outside the capital, it will be extremely difficult for him to be promoted to a third-rank official. Even with the emperor's appreciation and Wu Huaisi's support, it will not work. This is a fatal shortcoming in his career.

Therefore, sending him out to take up a post in another region now would only bring him benefits and no harm.

"Third Senior Brother, what do you think?" Zhao Ruxi looked at Wu Zong expectantly.

A good drum doesn't need a heavy hammer; some things don't need to be said too explicitly. She believes Wu Zong already knows.

Now it all depends on what Wu Zong himself thinks, and whether he is willing to leave the capital.

Wu Zong and Kang Shilin exchanged a glance and nodded, saying, "Okay."

"Huh?" Zhao Ruxi was a little stunned because she didn't expect Wu Zong to agree so readily.

She immediately realized what she meant and exclaimed happily, "Third Senior Brother, you agreed?"

"Hmm." Wu Zong nodded.

Gong Cheng then smiled and said to Zhao Ruxi, "Your third senior brother has already discussed this with Master. Everyone is worried about you going to an unfamiliar place alone. The local officials there are all cunning and will definitely bully you. So after much consideration, your third senior brother has decided to send you on an official post outside the region so that he can take care of you."

Zhao Ruxi was deeply moved.

Oh my god, what kind of amazing master and senior brother are they? How can they be so kind?

Kang Shilin nodded. "However, your third senior brother's official rank is far below yours, a fresh graduate. Even if he's transferred to another post, he won't be your direct superior. You need to be prepared for that."

"I know, I know. As long as Third Senior Brother protects me, nothing will be a problem." Zhao Ruxi waved her hand, smiling so broadly her eyes disappeared. "Oh, Senior Brother, you're so kind. I'm so happy!"

Everyone laughed when they saw how happy she was, like a child.

"It's settled. I called you here to ask you about this. Focus on the palace examination; you don't need to worry about anything else. Your senior brothers and I will take care of it." Kang Shilin waved his hand and took out the scroll. "Let me see your paintings."

Zhao Ruxi, quick-witted and agile, snatched her scroll and hugged it to her chest. "Master, I've suddenly had a realization. I'm not satisfied with this painting, so I won't show it to you today. I'll repaint it and send it to you later."

"Huh?" Kang Shilin was puzzled.

However, it was a good thing that his apprentice had gained some insights, and he admired the pursuit of excellence even more, so he didn't say much and nodded, saying, "Alright, there's no rush. You can draw it after you've thoroughly understood what you've learned."

"Mmm-hmm." Zhao Ruxi hugged her painting and nodded vigorously.

Her third senior brother was so kind, and now he'd become a powerful figure who needed her protection. She'd better leave this painting technique for him to figure out on his own.

After Zhao Ruxi left, Kang Shilin summoned Wu Huaisi the next day for a long discussion, and then went to the palace in the evening. However, he did not mention this matter, chatted with Xiao Ge for a while, admired his collection of paintings, and then leisurely left the palace.

When he left the palace, as Eunuch Xie saw him off, he whispered a few words to Eunuch Xie.

Zhao Ruxi came in second place in the imperial examination, which surprised Xiao Lingyan.

It was unexpected because Zhao Ruxi had always been a top student, and it was only natural that she would get first place when he wasn't taking the exam with her.

It wasn't surprising because Zhao Ruxi's writing style was quite distinctive. Although three of the five examiners were selected from among the provincial education commissioners, someone would still recognize her work. It was perfectly normal for them not to want a woman to overshadow them, a group of men. Neither he nor Zhao Ruxi valued empty fame, so it was fine.

He usually wanted to see Zhao Ruxi but suppressed his desire. Now that he finally had an excuse, he rushed over to see Zhao Ruxi that very night.

After lingering for a while, he said, "Song Qinghe came in third place, but he was removed from the list before the results were even posted. Xiangyang was originally the emperor's favorite daughter, but after this incident, he was extremely disappointed in Xiangyang. He sent someone to reprimand her, and then went to Consort Jin's palace to give Consort Jin a dressing down."

He chuckled, "Xiangyang didn't tell Consort Jin and Prince of Ming about this matter; she acted on her own. Consort Jin knew the Emperor's temperament best and had been catering to his tastes, so his attitude towards her had softened recently. But after Xiangyang's meddling, the Emperor has turned cold towards Consort Jin again, and even Prince of Ming, who had been trying so hard to please the Emperor, has suffered the consequences. Both Consort Jin and Prince of Ming are extremely dissatisfied with Xiangyang."

He worried that Zhao Ruxi was feeling resentful, so he stroked her silky black hair and said, "That's how it is in the royal family. Whether it's a prince or a princess, if they make a mistake, as long as it's not public knowledge, it will be covered up. After all, they represent the face of the royal family. The Xiangyang incident is over just like that. However, she has lost the emperor's favor, and Consort Jin and Prince of Ming also harbor resentment towards her. Her days ahead won't be easy."

He looked at Zhao Ruxi: "And I will avenge you. But we'll have to wait; the time isn't right yet."